Friday, November 9, 2012

‘The Giver’ Film Adaptation Revived, Phillip Noyce Directing, Jeff Bridges in the Title Role

Young adult novels set in a dystopian future are all the rage, so it was only a matter of time before someone dragged the shelved adaption of Lois Lowry‘s classic, The Giver, back on the table. The film has been floundering for years, suffering through the usual pre-production hiccups of producers, directors, writers, etc. signing on and dropping out. Now Variety is reporting The Weinstein Co. and Walden Media are looking to Phillip Noyce (Salt) to make it happen. The last word on the film adaptation was Jeff Bridges was on board to star in the title role as well as produce, and we don’t believe that’s changed.

If it’s been years since you’ve read The Giver, or maybe you were never forced to in school, here’s a short refresher,

“The Giver” is a largely introspective fantasy tale set in a colorless dystopian society in which all memory of human history has been erased, emotion does not exist and citizens’ professions are chosen for them. When a 12-year-old boy is assigned to serve as the Receiver of Memories (i.e. the next Giver) he discovers that all is not as it seems.

And Bridges sounds perfect for the role of mentor to the young boy. Hell, I want Bridges to me my mentor! Granted, I had that thought after see The Big Lebowski, but anyway. Bridges actually holds the film rights to the 1994 Newbery Medal winner, and originally intended it to be a project for his late father, Lloyd Bridges. The most recent version of the script came in 2006 by Vadim Perelman (House of Sand and Fog) and there’s been no talk of whether or not they’ll be seeking a new writer to either draft anew or update this script.

Noyce’s previous work like Blind Fury, Patriot Games, Clear and Prent Danger doesn’t initial make me think he’s the perfect choice, but at this point they just need a direct with the vision and drive to make happen. I think Noyce can do just that.

As of now there’s no more info than Noyce has been attached and Weinstein and Walden are confidant the film will begin production soon. What do you think? Will it finally happen? Is this a book you want to see adapted? How do you feel about Noyce directing? Bridges starring?